Respoonse to DI News "101 ways to improve our community" - Part 2

In last week’s issue, we reported the responses from Jane Baker, vice president of community services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association, to several of the suggestions made by readers in our “101 Ways to Improve the Community” survey. The survey was conducted last January. In this edition of the paper, Baker provides her take on suggestions that fall under the purview of the City of Charleston or Berkeley County.

BERKELEY COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES

“Bring back recycling!”
Jane Baker (JB): Berkeley County is working on plans to build a modern recycling plant. Stay tuned for more details.

“Seven Farms Drive needs the sidewalk reconfigured near Daniel Island Drive. And the grass is getting torn up!”
JB: Berkeley County is currently looking at a crosswalk improvement project.

CITY OF CHARLESTON RESPONSIBILITIES

“Golf carts should be eliminated.”
JB: Golf Carts are allowed by city law, but the police might want to increase enforcement of traffic rules where golf carts are concerned, such as underage drivers.

“Signs at roundabout crosswalks that remind drivers to stop or at least yield BEFORE the crosswalks.”
JB: A good idea! It’s the responsibility of the City of Charleston. Residents should encourage DINA to push this initiative through.

“Complete the bike path to MUSC Stadium and Shell Ring.”
JB: According to Councilman Gary White, the City of Charleston and SCDOT have already signed an agreement to proceed and will shortly be reviewing potential contractors, making final selection in October. Upon SCDOT and City of Charleston approval of contract (end of year), project to get underway by January, 2018.

“Put in more crosswalks!”
JB: The City of Charleston is working on this.

“Put in a roundabout at the intersection of Seven Farms Drive and Daniel Island Drive.”
JB: The City of Charleston makes decisions about roundabouts. All concerns should be addressed through the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association.

(Note: Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley reported in his column in The Daniel Island News last week that construction on a new roundabout for this intersection is slated to begin in the summer of 2018. The City of Charleston Technical Review Committee is expected to review plans for the project at their May 4 meeting. A date for a community meeting on the initiative will be announced soon, according to Whitley.)

“Add crosswalk lines in the road between Volvo Stadium and Publix/Town Center.”
JB: This is a City of Charleston issue. Generally, mid-block crossings are not supported due to federal/state safety standards. Crosswalks are at their most effective when they are placed at intersections, rather than by driveways or commercial entrances, which are not true intersections. The sections of Seven Farms near Daniel Island Drive and even near Family Circle, are not conducive to crosswalks as traffic flows most steadily (and at 30 mph most rapidly) at these points.
Also the City is studying pedestrian crosswalk improvements to be made at Pier View Street.

“Add a swing set at Governors Park.”
JB: Governors Park is the bailiwick of City of Charleston, as is Etiwan Park and Freedom Park (behind Daniel Island School). The POA handles all the other parks.

“Make the current left turn lane going from Fairchild Street (side with new construction in town center area) across River Landing towards the Benefitfocus campus and the Islander a left turn/straight lane.”
JB: This is a City of Charleston concern and is being studied.